Erich Ludendorff was a German general during World War I, known for his significant role in military strategy. He was born on April 9, 1865, and became one of the key figures in the German Army, particularly during the Spring Offensive of 1918. His tactics and leadership were influential, but they also contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany in the war. After the war, Ludendorff became involved in politics and supported the German nationalist movement. He was a proponent of the stab-in-the-back myth, which claimed that Germany's military defeat was due to betrayal by civilians rather than military failure. Ludendorff's legacy remains controversial, reflecting the complexities of his contributions to both military and political history.